In recent months, similar stories have been reported in newspapers across the country. These cases reinforce the need for obstetric anesthesia standards so that all patients can have their anesthesia needs met regardless of their ability to pay.

Too often economics enter into the practice of anesthesia, creating barriers to care. These barriers include not allowing nurse anesthetists to practice within their full scope of legal authority, despite the fact that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) provide effective solutions to obstetrical anesthesia coverage in many parts of the country. In fact, CRNAs practice in every setting where anesthesia is provided, working with and without anesthesiologists, and often are the sole anesthesia providers in inner-city and rural settings, affording anesthesia and resuscitative services to medical facilities.

For years the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has worked to educate the public about anesthesia care. The AANA is committed to delivering safe and affordable health care to patients and has been on the front lines to advocate for removal of barriers to practice so patients on public aid will not have to endure substandard care.

It's time to re-examine our country's laws and statutes so that all anesthesia patients have access to services provided by CRNAs.